Low Diesel Prices Mean More Diesel Car Sales

Remember when I said diesel prices were lower than gasoline for the first time in years? Remember when I wondered if that would change American diesel buying habits? Well, it has, apparently. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are both reporting increases in sales of their clean-diesel vehicles.

If you’re in the market for a clean diesel car, here are the 50-state diesels available right now, with their starting MSRP:

• Audi Q7, SUV, $50,900
• Mercedes R320 BlueTec, crossover, $49,100
• Mercedes ML320 BlueTec, SUV, $48,600
• Mercedes GL320 BlueTec, SUV, $58,200
• Volkswagen Jetta TDI, sedan, $22,700
• Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI, wagon, $23,870
• Volkwsagen Touareg 2 TDI, SUV, $42,800

Each of these is available from the manufacturer as of today, and are eligible of a federal tax credit of about $1000. Check FuelEconomy.gov for details.

Image of a BMW diesel at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show by Kristen Hall-Geisler.